FAQs

Are range of Frequently Asked Questions can be viewed below. If you still have a question, please contact the school to find our more.

Can’t I go and buy a cheaper computer on the High Street?

Yes, almost certainly. But this isn’t just about the device. The iPads for Learning scheme we are proposing will provide the loan for up to three years of a device that we feel is ideal for the classroom – lightweight, portable, with a ten hour battery life will allow learners to be far more creative, and interact to a greater extent than is possible now. iPads will also have the benefit of fully comprehensive insurance and a warranty.

What about students who already own an iPad?

You can either choose to join the school scheme or bring your own iPad into school. We cannot take responsibility for home owned iPads, however, and they will not supported by our technical team. Any insurance claim for damage or theft will be the responsibility of the parent.

Will Ofsted be able to observe learning when iPads are in use?

¥ Arguably, Ofsted will see a greater degree of creativity and independent learning when iPads are in use.

‘Throughout many taught subjects in the schools visited for this survey, there was a move away from dedicated computer suites and a growing emphasis on laptops and handheld devices. Virtual learning environments had been installed in most of the schools visited. These changes, where deployed effectively, have enriched learning across the curriculum and studying at home. ‘

How will using the iPad impact on the quality of students’ hand writing?

Students will still be expected to hand write work. There will be no need to word process all their work, and much will still be completed in exercise books. However, there are many advantages to word processing some work on the iPad using an app such as Pages or Word. Students can spell check their work, look up definitions, add electronic notes and email work to their teacher for faster feedback. With work backed up on the school network, and available anywhere there is a wifi connection, leaving an exercise book at home/school is no longer such a problem.

Exams still take place on paper, so how will iPads help with this?

Trial exams and practice papers will still be handwritten. Although Exam papers are available to download via the web and annotate using the iPad.

How will the iPads for Learning scheme affect homework?

A device that can be used both at school and at home can improve continuity of learning, with all the resources needed available in one place. Parents can play a greater part in supporting and understanding the work that students are doing in class. Hands on workshops will be provided by the school to enable parents to support their child’s learning using the iPad. We anticipate that homework tasks can have much greater depth and use a much wider range of media than conventional paper based homework. This is likely to improve students’ motivation and homework completion rates.

How will you measure the impact of iPads on learning?

Alongside our assessment schedule we are constantly observing the positive effect of Digital Learning on our students’ attainment. Your most recent analysis of the data in terms of GCSE and A Level results has been very reassuring. Our ‘Evidence of Success’ can be viewed in our latest Books that are available on the iBook store. iclevedon.co.uk

Will students spend all day staring at a screen? How often are they used.

In most lessons, iPads will only be used as and when needed, and in some lessons may not be used at all if they don’t enhance the learning in that topic. An Ofcom survey in 2012 found that, on average, 12-15 year olds spend 17.1 hours online a week. With purposeful use of the iPad for learning, some of this online time may become more productive! If you are concerned about this full instructions on how to set up schedules and restrictions can be viewed at iclevedon.co.uk.

What percentage of the time will iPads be used?

This will vary from lesson to lesson. iPad use will not replace the good teaching that already occurs, but will supplement it as and when appropriate.

What iPad does my child require? Is 16Gb big enough

There is no option to increase the internal storage of the iPad therefore careful management of data is required. The deicision is down to the Parent ordering the iPad and it depends on affordability.

Will students need access to home wifi to access the apps?

Most of the apps will work without access to wifi. When the apps are first downloaded, this will need to be done over wifi, either at home or at school.

What can you do to stop other apps being used during a lesson?

Effective classroom management is just as important as ever when iPads are used. When iPads are not needed, they will be left face down on the table, in view of the teacher. The minority who don’t, and who choose to become distracted by the iPad, will be re-focussed by the teacher, and this may involve them doing without the iPad for a short period of time. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned, confiscation of the iPad may result in privileges may be removed

Is my child’s work going to be backed up?

Yes. We will be encouraging students to back up their work on the school network via Foldr and setting up automatic back ups via iCloud.

What standard apps will there be?

Apart from the standard apps that come with the device e.g. Pages, Numbers Keynote a full list of apps is included in the launch pack as well on subject areas in Firefly. To date, we have identified 20 apps that we feel are particularly valuable. This list is likely to grow, but we will not be asking parents for further payments.

Will age controls (ie internet filtering) differ on home wifi?

You have a choice. We will be installing special filtering software that prevents access to certain websites. This is constantly updated. Full details of how to set up filtering at home can be viewed at iclevedon.co.uk

How will children differentiate their iPad from others at school?

One of the first actions is for students to install a unique screen saver, either their name and form, or a copy of their timetable in order to be able to identify their own iPad. Alternatively some cases have a clear back that you may wish to use a sticker to identify their device.

Can my child bring their a non Apple Device into school?

As we have chosen to use Apple devices, an iPad is our device of choice for lesson delivery. Some lessons are conducted through iTunes U courses and iBooks, for which there is no Android equivalent. Students are however welcome to use other tablet devices that they may already have. They can bring the device into school to connect to the Wi-Fi and set it up to receive their school email. These devices will be subject to the same Acceptable Use Policy that applies to all computer equipment and mobile devices used in the school. We would advise that the device has a good case and is covered by suitable insurance – accidents do happen.

If I have my own iPad can I purchase insurance through the school?

No, the insurance that is included as part of the school scheme cannot be sold separately. You could investigate the options through your house insurance or other companies that can be found by a simple Google Search.

How will backups work?

As mentioned above, we strongly recommend the use of the iCloud for its ability to store and restore apps. Important files will be backed up by students onto the school network using an app called Foldr. This also allows access to files held on the network from home.

What it my child has specific educational needs how can the iPad help?

iPhone, iPad and iPod touch come with assistive features that allow people with disabilities or specific learning needs to experience the fun and function of iOS.

What sort of activities are they used for?

Students can access lesson resources during the lesson at their own pace or when at home for additional support. Students can create working using a plethora of apps to demonstrate their learning or progress. Students are now starting to become published authors on the iBook store. Students can collaborate on group tasks in lessons or at home. Teacher may also assess students’ progress through variety of ways. The iPad motivates, engages and supports all students.

When can I order an iPad through the school scheme?

The main ordering portal usually opens in June for a September delivery. At this time you can choose to order through a lease of 24 or 36 months or as a one off payment. Included will be Insurance, Warranty and a case. Outside the main portal you will be able to order a device as a one off payment. These will be batched monthly, please see the school website under iPad ordering for more information.

If I make an insurance claim is their a loan device that I can borrow.

No but there is a class set of iPads that are available to be booked by the classroom teacher.

As a parent am I able to control how much my child uses the iPad at home an in school?

Yes. You may wish to set Restrictions on your child’s device that can be used to lock down specific aspects of the device or install a program called OurPact on the device that can restrict access to social media, gaming apps and more. Full instructions on how to set this up can be found on iclevedon.co.uk.

How many students have an iPad?

Roughly 92% of students have an iPad either through the school scheme or their own device and nearly 100% have access to a device that can be used in school to enhance their learning.

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